The other day, at my part-time job, I was in a great deal of pain. My job is very physical and I was working hard at smiling and reflecting Him but the pain threatened to bring tears. I wrestled with this and was washing the floor by the drink station at work. adjacent to this area is the door to the playground. I suddenly realized a small boy of perhaps three years of age was outside, but not playing. Instead, he was watching me mop the floor. He opened the door and peering at the mop, asked “what are doing?” I responded “washing the floor.” Keeping it simple, I wondered what he’d say next. He then asked me why and I explained that someone had an “oops” and spilled something. He came into the restaurant having lost sight of his mama. He suddenly looked scared. I saw her behind me ordering their lunch and pointed to her. I then warned him to walk carefully as the floor might be a little slippery. He stood very still then walked in a rather amusing way. It was like a movie in slow motion. lol I saw the look of fear on his face, and said “do you want to hold my hand?” He looked relieved and took it. He reached his mom, reassured, he turned back to return to the playground. This time he walked right up to me and extended his hand, knowing I’d take hold and walk him safely to the door. He smiled and ran to the colorful slide.

I never did learn the small boy’s name. I did, though, learn much from him. Trust replaces fear with joy. It really is that simple.